This article is part of our ongoing Business Spotlight series sponsored by Bulloch Solutions.
B.J. McKellar wasn’t splitting wood as a hobby and he didn’t know anything about the society of axe throwing when he found himself with quite the ch-opportunity.
The idea was born on a whim after a friend suggested to McKellar’s wife, Haley, that he build out a trailer for axe throwing after seeing a similar idea somewhere else. McKellar, who works as a law enforcement officer in the Bulloch County community, thought it would be a great idea for a side gig and got to work on the process of outfitting the trailer and building a social media presence.
McKellar obviously hit the target because from there, the demand for the ‘side project’ exploded.
For the last sixteen months, Boro the Hatchet Axe Throwing has been a mobile adventure. Two lanes on a 20-foot traveling trailer make appearances at F1RST Friday gatherings in Statesboro, festivals, private parties, and workforce training events. More recently, Boro the Hatchet has ‘popped up’ at Valentine’s events, birthday parties, and even events for older children, with a parental waiver, of course. Most of the craze for the trailer has come from word of mouth and referrals in the community and repeat customers are helping fuel the boom from here to Bluffton.
The trailer features a number of technology oriented ‘games,’ too – including Lineup 4, Tic-Tac-Toe, Merry Axe-mas, Duck Hunter, Zombie Hunter, standard targets and more! As an added bonus, a company ‘Axepert’ comes with the trailer to set up on site and facilitate throughout the rental. Each lane can comfortably accommodate six to eight people and more with rotating games.
But bigger things are in store! While the trailer will still be available for mobile events, McKellar says he’s opening a brick and mortar location at The Hall in downtown Statesboro. It was a plan he thought may come to fruition a few years down the road, but after considerable growth in the first year and growing support from the community, the perfect opportunity presented itself.
“I’ve talked to many business owners downtown and we’ve just talked about how there’s plenty of places to go for food and drinks and stuff like that, but as far as ‘activities,’ we don’t really have any,” McKellar said.
At The Hall, McKellar plans to outfit a 3,300 square foot hang out location, complete with six lanes for axe throwing coupled with pool tables, a bar, and a lounge area to hang out.
The venue will be open to the public for use with featured ‘family days’ and long-term plans include the possibility of leagues and tournaments.
The hope is that the new location will open in May 2024.
You can learn more about Boro the Hatchet by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Find them on the web here to see details about booking, pricing, and more.
